Combination paddle shaft and fishing rod

ABSTRACT

A combination paddle and fishing rod device is disclosed. The device may incorporate a single ended paddle or double ended paddle. In any embodiment, the device allows a fishing reel to be mounted to the shaft of the paddle. The shaft forms a portion of the fishing rod supporting one or more eyelets for guiding fishing line from a fishing reel mounted to the shaft. In one embodiment, the eyelets are connected to the shaft and or an oar blade. In another embodiment, a short fishing rod section having one or more eyelets is connected to the shaft. The device is configured to permit fishing while a user propels a watercraft.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/245,497, filed Aug. 24, 2016, which claims the benefit ofthe filing dates of: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/209,436having a filing date of Aug. 25, 2015; U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/238,799 having a filing date of Oct. 8, 2015; andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/251,515 having a filing dateof Nov. 5, 2015, the entire contents of all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to a paddle/oar shaft suitable foruse with a kayak, canoe or other watercraft, which incorporates afishing reel seat to allow a user to connect a fishing reel to thepaddle shaft. The device allows a user to, at the same time, paddle awater craft and troll for fish, or to use the shaft for fishing ornetting fish independent of a paddling action.

BACKGROUND

Kayaking is becoming an increasingly popular paddle sport. As of 2013,there are 13 million U.S. kayakers and 10 million U.S. canoeists.International-based paddlers in the EU, South America, Africa & Asia mayequal these numbers. When kayaking and canoeing, a paddler typicallysits in a low-to-the-water vessel facing forward, legs in front, using asingle or double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side andthen the other in rotation. Kayaks and canoes have open or closed decks,although sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks are growing in popularity.

Often, users of kayaks and similar watercraft wish to fish whilepaddling. Along these lines, a number of kayaks incorporate rodholder(s) that allow mounting a fishing rod to the kayak. Many olderkayak designs rely on bungee straps to secure fishing rods behind theseated operator. In such an arrangement, a user may play out a length offishing line having a baited hook or lure, place the end of the fishingrod within the rod holder and begin paddling. This allows a user totroll for fish while paddling. However, tending the fishing rod whilepaddling is often cumbersome and lessens the chance of hooking a fishwhen the fish strikes the trailing hook/lure. Such multitasking with twoplatforms (paddle and rod) also increases the probability of hookrelated snags and punctures of the fisherman. Such dual platformsrequire multitasking demands, which impacts personal labor, observation,stability and safety awareness.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a paddling device for propelling awatercraft through water and for supporting a fishing reel. Morespecifically, a fishing reel mount is incorporated with a shaft suitablefor a single or double ended paddle. Aspects of the presented disclosureare directed to its simplicity and design elegance. Additional aspectsare directed to higher efficiency and safety in a marine environmentthat is achieved from merging paddling and fishing functions into oneperformance platform, as opposed to two individual platforms.

In one aspect, a combination paddle and fishing rod device is disclosed,which is generally directed to a single or double ended paddle havingone or two oar blades attached to an oar shaft. The double ended paddleconfiguration allows a fishing reel to be mounted to the shaft betweenopposing oar blades. When disposed in such a location, the reel may bedisposed between the hands of a user allowing the user to utilize thepaddle while simultaneously fishing. In order to extend fishing lineover the edge of the boat while a user is paddling, fishing line from areel mounted to the shaft extends along the shaft to one of the oarblades. In one arrangement, the line extends within a recessed portionof the shaft. That is, the shaft has a recessed channel that extendsover a portion of the length of the shaft (e.g., from at least a firstlocation near the center of the shaft to second location near one of theoar blades). Further, one or more ferrules may extend over this recessedchannel to maintain the fishing line therein. This ‘open channel’ designallows for easy insertion and removal of fishing line filament,facilitates visual inspection of the line, and facilitates physicalmanipulation of the line to remove debris and foreign matter associatedwith fresh water and salt water environments.

The use of the recessed channel along the length of all or a portion ofthe shaft provides another important benefit. Specifically, the shaftremains watertight. That is, as opposed to prior art combinationpaddles/rods, which utilize a tube in tube construction that can resultin water intrusion and a significant increase in apparatus weight, thepresented system results in almost no additional weight to the paddle.In the present aspect, if water infiltrates the open recessed channel,it spills out immediately. In contrast, water seepage into an internaltube system could add 1-3 pounds of additional water weight to a paddle,doubling the weight of the paddle. When not in use, users may remove thereel and use the paddle in standard fashion.

In another aspect, a combination paddle and fishing rod device isdisclosed, which is generally directed to a single ended paddle ordouble ended paddle. The double ended paddle configuration allows afishing reel to be mounted to the shaft between opposing oar blades. Tomaintain the fishing line along the paddle shaft, one or more lineguides or eyelets are attached to the oar blade and/or along the lengthof the shaft. In one arrangement, a first eyelet is attached proximateto where the shaft connects to an oar blade and a second eyelet isattached proximate to a distal tip of the oar blade. In such anarrangement, flexibility of the blade may provide some give or play forthe combination fishing device.

In another aspect, a short fishing rod section having two or moreguides/eyelets is attached to a shaft of a paddle. Typically, the rodtapers from a rearward section (e.g., butt end) to a tip end, thoughthis is not a requirement. The rearward section is affixed to an outwardportion of the shaft (e.g., relative to a middle of the shaft) and thetip end extends over at least a portion of the oar blade. The tip endmay extend near to the end of the blade, to the end of the blade orbeyond the end of the blade. The fishing rod section may be made of anyappropriate materials including, without limitation, graphite, boron andfiberglass composites.

In another aspect, a short fishing rod section is selectively attachableto a shaft of a paddle. In this aspect, the fishing rod section may beremoved from the shaft when not in use. Further, such an arrangementallows a user to select the weight (e.g., stiffness) of the fishing rodsection and/or a length of the fishing rod section. In one arrangement,a receiving socket or ferrule, affixed to the shaft, is configured toreceive and secure the fishing rod section. Any appropriate connectionbetween the between the socket and the fishing rod section to allowselective connection there between. Such connections include, withoutlimitation, interference fit, push button connectors and clamps to namea few.

In another aspect, a combination paddle and fishing rod/pole isdisclosed, which is generally directed to a single paddle or doubleended paddle. In this aspect, connectors are attached to the shaft ofthe oar that allows for mounting an existing fishing pole substantiallyparallel to the oar shaft. In such an arrangement, fisherman may utilizetheir existing fishing rods which conveniently connect to the oar shaftto permit paddling after casting. If a fish strikes, the user mayquickly remove the rod from the connectors. In one non-limitingembodiment, the connectors are snap connectors that deflect outward andaround a handle and/or rod section of the fishing pole and receive thehandle/rod within an aperture in a snap fit arrangement. However, otherconnectors may be utilized. For instance, two piece mating connectorsmay be utilized where a first piece of each connector is mounted to thepole and a second connector attaches to the oar shaft. Any releasableengagement between the two pieces may be utilized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and furtheradvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a combination double-ended paddle andfishing rod having a recessed channel.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the combination double-ended paddleand fishing rod of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates two cross-sectional views of the paddle shaft of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a single-ended paddle and fishing rodhaving a recessed channel.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a combination paddle andfishing rod having eyelets attached to the shaft and/or blade.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of the paddle of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a combination paddle andfishing rod having a short fishing rod attached to an end of the paddle.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate close-up views of the rod section and paddleof FIG. 7.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the combination paddle and fishing rod ofFIG. 7 in use.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment of a combination paddleand fishing rod with a removable rod portion.

FIG. 11 illustrates a locking mechanism for use with the combinationpaddle and fishing rod of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of combination paddle and fishingrod that allows mounting an existing rod to an oar shaft.

FIG. 13 illustrates an insert for disposition within a paddle shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist inillustrating the various pertinent features of the presented inventions.The following description is presented for purposes of illustration anddescription and is not intended to limit the inventions to the formsdisclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modificationscommensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge ofthe relevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. Theembodiments described herein are further intended to explain the bestmodes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled inthe art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and withvarious modifications required by the particular application(s) oruse(s) of the presented inventions.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a combination paddle andfishing rod device 8. The combination paddle and fishing rod device 8allows a user to, inter alia, troll for fish while propelling awatercraft through water. Alternatively, a user may utilize the device 8to fish independent of a paddling. In the illustrated embodiment, thedevice 8 utilizes a double-ended paddle 10 having a shaft 20 thatextends between first and second oar blades 22 a, 22 b (hereafter 22unless specifically referenced). In various arrangements, the shaft maybe a two-piece shaft that utilizes a spring pin and aperture to connectthe two pieces of the shaft together (See e.g., FIG. 13). Such two-pieceshaft are known in the paddling industry. Further, the shaft may includedrip collars 24 a, 24 b. See FIGS. 1 and 2.

To utilize the device 8 for fishing, the shaft 20 of the paddle 10 isconfigured to mount a fishing reel 30. In this regard, the shaft 20 ofthe paddle 10 includes a reel seat 18 attached to the shaft between theoar blades 22, 24. The reel seat 18 is configured to removably attach afishing reel 30 to the paddle 10. The reel seat 18 may be a universalreel seat with any of a variety of reel types. The reel 30 may bereleasably engageable with the reel seat 18 in a known manner. Forexample, the reel seat 18 may include a threaded ring (not shown) thatslides over and secures a foot 34 of the reel 30 onto the shaft 20. Thereel seat 18 may be permanently or removably affixed to the shaft 10. Inthis regard, different reel seats may be utilized to mount differenttypes of reels to the shaft. In an alternate arrangement, the shaft 10may include an indentation (not shown) in which the reel sits.

When the fishing reel 30 is mounted to the shaft 20, fishing line 36extends from the reel 30 to one of the oar blades 22. In the presentembodiment, the fishing line 36 is disposed within a recessed channel 40that extends over at least a portion of the length of the shaft betweenthe reel 30 one of the oar blades 22. See, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3A. Therecessed channel maintains the fishing line 36 against the shaft 20 ofthe paddle 10 while permitting a user to grasp the shaft for paddling.That is, when the fishing line 36 is disposed within the recessedchannel 40 a user may grasp the shaft without contacting the fishingline. In order to maintain the fishing line within the channel 40, oneor more ferrules 42 (or other elements including eyelets) extends overthe channel 40 as shown best shown in FIG. 3B. These ferrules 42 may beseparately formed elements that are fixedly attached to the shaft 20.Alternatively, the ferrules may be integrally formed with the shaft 20.In one arrangement, the ferrules 42 are disposed flush with thegenerally circular cross-section of the shaft 10 such that the ferrules42 are smooth under a user's hand. However, this is not a requirement.In any case, the ferrules maintain the fishing line 36 within thechannel 40.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fishing line extends out of anaperture 26 disposed proximate to the base of one of the oar blades 22.In this embodiment, the aperture 26 extends though the interior of theoar blade and opens to the channel 40 of the shaft to permit the fishingline to extend from the channel 40 into the oar blade 22 and out of theaperture 26. Once extending out of the aperture 26, the fishing line maybe used to trail a baited hook or lure 28 behind a watercraft as a userpaddles a watercraft.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are presented by way of illustration and not by way oflimitation. Along these lines, it will be appreciated that variationsmay be made. For instance, while showing the channel 40 extending overonly half of the shaft 20, it will be appreciated that the channel mayextend the entire length of the shaft 20 between the two oar blades 22.In such an arrangement, the shaft may be extrusion molded, though thisis not a requirement. The shaft may be made of any appropriate materialincluding, without limitation, aluminum, polymers and/or composites. Inanother variation of the double-ended paddle embodiment, both oar bladesmay include an aperture 26 (not shown). In such an embodiment, a usermay trail a lure from either oar blade. In a further variant, first andsecond reels 30 may be mounted to the shaft 20 to allow for trailing twohooks/lures from a watercraft.

FIG. 1 further illustrates an optional attached cutting edge 50. Thecutting edge 50 is attached (e.g., riveted) to the shaft 20 near the oarblade through which the fishing line extends. The cutting edge allows auser to quickly discharge overweight marine species or freeentanglements with submerged objects by cutting the line 36, whennecessary.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the combination paddle andfishing rod device 8. In this embodiment, a single-ended paddle 10 isprovided. As shown, this embodiment of the device 8 has a first oarblade 24 on a first end of the shaft 20 and a handle 52 on a second endof the shaft. The single-ended paddle 10 otherwise may be constructed ina manner similar or identical to that described above for the doubleended paddle device.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates another embodiment of a combination paddle andfishing rod device 8 utilizing a double ended paddle 10. Like referencenumbers are utilized to reference like elements to the paddle disclosedin previous figures. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, thepaddle 10 has a shaft 20 that extends between first and second oarblades 22 a, 22 b and includes a reel seat/mount 18 for mounting a footportion 34 of a fishing reel 30 to the shaft. However, rather thanutilizing a recessed channel, this embodiment of the device 8 includes afirst fishing line guide or eyelet 60 that is attached to the base ofthe oar blade 22 at a location proximate to the connection between theshaft 20 and the oar blade 22. As shown, the eyelet 60 has a base plate64 that is attached to the oar blade 22. The base plate 64 may, but neednot, be shaped to conform to the surface of the oar blade 20. In anyconfiguration, the base plate 64 provides an area for securing theeyelet 62 to the oar blade and may be attached in any appropriatemanner. Such attachment includes welding, adhering and/or use ofmechanical connectors (e.g., rivets, screws, etc.). The first eyelet 60is typically configured such that it extends above the surface of theoar blade such that, when the fishing line 36 extends between the reel30 and the eyelet 60, a space exists below the line 36 and above theshaft 20, which allows a user to grasp the shaft 20 without contactingthe line. Though illustrated as being attached to the oar blade, it willbe appreciated that the first eyelet 60 may alternatively be affixed tothe shaft 20. As a further embodiment, additional eyelets may be affixedalong the length of the shaft.

A second eyelet 62 is attached to a distal end of the oar blade 24. Aswith the first eyelet, the second eyelet may include a base plate 66,which may be affixed to the oar blade in any appropriate manner.However, to increase the connection strength between the second eyelet62 and the oar blade 22 the eyelet is typically affixed by a mechanicalfastener that extends through the oar blade. The second eyelet 62 issized to extend a desired distance above the surface of the oar bladeand may extend a short distance beyond the distal tip of the oar blade.However, this is not a requirement. When a curved oar blade is utilized,the second eyelet 62 is typically attached to a convex surface (e.g.,back surface) of the oar blade such that paddling forces are notdirectly applied to the eyelet 62. In a further embodiment, whenmounting both eyelets to the oar blade, the oar blade may be configuredto be removed from the shaft. In such an embodiment, a user may removethe oar blade and replace the oar blade with a standard oar blade whenthe paddle is not being used for fishing. In use, the flexibility of theoar blade may improve the ability of a user to cast a baited hook orlure 28.

FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B illustrate another embodiment of a combination paddleand fishing rod device 8 utilizing a double ended paddle 10. Likereference numbers are utilized to reference like elements to the devicesdisclosed in previous figures. Again, the device has a shaft 20 thatextends between first and second oar blades 22 and includes a mount 18for mounting a foot portion 34 of a fishing reel 30 to the shaft 20. Inthis embodiment, a section of fishing rod 70 is attached to the shaft20. That is, a rearward portion 72 of the fishing rod 70 may be attachedto the shaft 20. The rod 70 typically includes two or more eyelets 76including at least a first eyelet near the connection between the rod 70and the shaft 20 and a second eyelet near a tip of the rod 70.Additional eyelets may be attached to the rod section along its length.Typically, the rod section is sized to extend from its connection withthe shaft to a location proximate to a distal end of the oar blade 22.Use of the separate rod section 70 provides additional ability for auser to cast a lure as well as providing flexibility whenfighting/landing a fish.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the rearward portion 72 of the rod 70extends along a portion of the length of the shaft 20. In the presentembodiment, shrink-wrapped tubing 75 extends over and around the shaft20 and the rearward portion 72 of the rod 70. Once so disposed, theshrink-wrapped tubing 75 is heated to secure the rod 70 against theshaft 20. Though illustrated utilizing the shrink-wrap tubing, it willbe appreciated that other connection means are possible and areconsidered within the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, anyannular connector (e.g., hose clamp, ratchet clamp, etc.) may beutilized.

A forward portion of the rod 70 extends over and above the oar blade 22.In the illustrated embodiment, the oar blade 22 is a curved. Morespecifically, a back surface 23 (e.g., convex surface) of the oar blade22 curves away from the rod 70. In this regard, the distal portion ofthe rod 70 is spaced away from the back surface 23 of the oar blade 22.Such spacing provided by the shape of the rod 70 and/or the oar blade 22provides improved casting and feel for fishing purposes.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the combination paddle and fishing rod device8 of FIG. 7 in use. As shown, fishing line 36 may extend from the reel30 through the eyelets 76 of the rod section 70 to a location beyond thedistal tip of the oar blade 22. This allows a user to easily cast abait/lure 28 and/or troll the bait/lure 28 while paddling. In addition,the flexibility of the rod 70 allows the tip of the rod 70 to displaceagainst the back surface 23 of the oar blade 22 (e.g., convex surface ofa curved oar blade). In this regard, the oar blade 22 may providesupport for the distal tip of the rod 70 when necessary.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a further embodiment of a combinationpaddle and fishing rod device 8. In this embodiment, a section offishing rod 100 is configured for selective attachment to a paddle 10.As shown, the section of fishing rod 100 is adapted for receipt within aferrule or socket 110 attached to the shaft 20 of the paddle 10. Asshown, the socket 110 is a generally hollow element that is affixedproximate to an end of the shaft 20. In the illustrated embodiment, thesocket 110 includes a base 112 the may be secured to the shaft 20 in anyappropriate manner. For instance, the base 112 may be adhered, weldedand or mechanically affixed (e.g., screwed, riveted, etc.) to the shaft20. The socket 112 has a hollow interior 114 that is sized to receive amatingly configured rearward portion 102 of the section of fishing rod100. In this regard, a user may insert the rearward portion 102 of thesection of fishing rod 100 into the hollow interior 114 of the socket110 to attach the fishing rod section 100 to the paddle 10. See FIG.10B.

Various different attachment mechanisms may be utilized to attach thesection of fishing rod 100 within the socket 110. In its simplest form,the connection between the socket 110 and section of fishing rod 100 maybe a simple interference fit. FIG. 11 illustrates a further non-limitingconnection mechanism that may be utilized between the section of fishingrod 100 and the socket 110. As shown, the socket 110 includes a channel116 that extends through its sidewall over a portion of its length. Thechannel is sized to receive a pin 104 affixed to the surface of therearward section of the section of rod. When inserted into the socket,the pin 104 is received within the channel 116. The channel alsoincludes a turn catch 118 at its terminal end. Upon the pin 104 reachingthe terminal end of the channel 116, a user may twist the rod andthereby lock the section of rod within the socket.

As will be appreciated, this embodiment allows a user to convenientlyattach and detach a section of fishing rod to and from a paddle whendesired. Further, the present embodiment allows a user the ability toselect among different fishing rod sections. That is, different fishingrod sections having different strengths/weights may be secured to thepaddle. By way of example, a user may select between sections of rodshaving small, medium and large diameters and/or sections of rods havingdiffering lengths. Each such section of rod may include a standardizedrearward portion that is configured to be received within the socket.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a double ended paddle 10having a shaft 20 that extends between first and second oar blades 22.In this embodiment, an existing fishing rod 80 is attached to the shaft20 utilizing first and second connectors 90 a, 90 b (90 unlessspecifically referenced). As shown, the illustrated embodiment of theconnectors 90 are sized to be secured about the shaft at first andsecond locations. Each connector 90 has a split ring/snap fit aperture92 that is sized to engage a portion of the fishing rod 80. Forinstance, one connector 90 a may have a snap connector 92 that is sizedto engage over a handle 82 of the fishing rod 80. In contrast, the otherconnector 90 b may have a smaller snap connector 92 that is sized toengage the rod itself. Other connectors are possible and within thescope of the presented invention. Preferably any connector allows forconveniently attaching and detaching the rod to the oar shaft. A similarconfiguration may be utilized to attach a partial rod section to an oarshaft.

FIG. 13 illustrates an accessory that could be utilized in any two-pieceshaft configuration of the embodiments disclosed above. Morespecifically, FIG. 13 illustrates a “Tackle in a Tube” cylindricalinsert 78 used for storage of line, hooks and lures. As shown, theinsert 78 is configured for insertion within a two piece shaft 20A, 20B,which could be part of a double-ended paddle or a single-ended paddle.As shown, one of the shafts 20A has a pin aperture 96 that receives aspring pin 98 attached to the other end of the other shaft 20B when theshafts are connected. In this regard, one of the shafts (e.g., 20B) hasan end sized to be received in the interior of the other shaft (e.g.,20A). As shown, the cylindrical insert 78 is disposable within theinterior of the receiver shaft 20A. The insert 78 may include a lid 79that allows user to open and close the insert and/or seal the insert. Inthe present embedment, the insert has a tab 77 that limits itsdisposition within the receiving shaft 20A and allows for convenientremoval from the shaft.

It will be appreciated that in all of the disclosed embodiments theshaft is considered novel in and of itself. That is, the variousembodiments of the shaft could be sold separate from the oar bladesallowing a user to attach any desired oar blade(s). Further, the oarblade(s) may be removable to allow a user to use the shaft alone as afishing pole and/or place the end of the oar shaft in an existing rodholder. In this arrangement, a reel mount may be disposed proximate toone end of the shaft to provide a longer rod to provide, for example,improved casting distance.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. Furthermore, the description is notintended to limit the inventions and/or aspects of the inventions to theforms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modificationscommensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of therelevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. Theembodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain bestmodes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled inthe art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and withvarious modifications required by the particular application(s) oruse(s) of the presented inventions. It is intended that the appendedclaims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extentpermitted by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for combined use in propelling awatercraft through water and fishing, comprising: an elongated shafthaving a first end and a second end; at least a first oar blade attachedto one of said first and second ends of said elongated shaft; a firsteyelet attached to one of said elongated shaft and said first oar bladeproximate to a connection point between said elongated shaft and saidfirst oar blade; a second eyelet attached to proximate to a distal endof said oar blade; and a fishing reel mount disposed along the length ofsaid elongated shaft and positioned to permit fishing line extendingfrom a fishing reel mounted to said fishing reel mount to extend throughsaid first and second eyelets.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein saidfirst eyelet is attached to said first oar blade.
 3. The device of claim1, wherein said first oar blade is selectively removable from saidelongated shaft.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said first oar bladehas a concave surface and a convex surface, wherein said second eyeletis attached to said convex surface.